10th Sunday after Pentecost
The word of God is a refining fire. Jesus is the great divide in human history. He invites our undivided attention and devotion. Today, in the assembly, we are surrounded by “so great a cloud of witnesses.” In the word and in the holy communion we are invited yet again to look to Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”
Readings and Psalm
Jeremiah 23:23-29 God’s word is like fire, like a hammer that breaks rocks
Psalm 82 Arise, O God, and rule the earth. (Ps. 82:8)
Hebrews 11:29--12:2 The faith of the Hebrew people, a great cloud of witnesses
Luke 12:49-56 Jesus brings fire on earth and has a baptism with which to be baptized
Worship Leaders
Announcements
Saturday Evening Service
Following conversation with the most frequent attendees, we've decided to place the Saturday Evening worship service on hold, at least for the month of August. Stay tuned for updates.
Grandparent's Day
To celebrate Grandparent's Day this year, everyone is encouraged to invite their grandparents or grandchildren to church. We'll honor our guests during the service and enjoy treats together afterwards.
The History of Grandparents Day
Marian McQuade hoped to establish a national day that would honor grandparents, and in 1970 she began a campaign to do so. McQuade raised awareness about senior citizens throughout the 1970s. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter declared the first Sunday after Labor Day to be National Grandparents Day. Each year, the president issues a proclamation to keep the tradition going.
Grandparents Day has both an official flower and song. The official flower is the forget-me-not, and the song is Johnny Prill’s “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa.” Both were chosen by the National Grandparents Day Council.
Emergency Reserve Fund
The Bethlehem Council has approved the formation of an Emergency Reserve Fund, created to ease tension to the general fund. To be used for current expenses and not for capital improvements, funds are to be “borrowed” and repaid at the first opportunity. Congregation members are encouraged to donate to this fund above their regular giving – not in place of it. As always, thank you for your generous support of our Bethlehem community.
Men's Bible Study
Interested in gathering with other men in the congregation to talk about the upcoming gospel reading? Look for a sign-up sheet in the next few Sundays.
Welcoming New Members
We'll host two meetings in September, on the 15th and 22nd between services. Come to learn about Bethlehem, the ELCA, and get to know some current members.
Back-to-School Sales
This is a great time of year to shop back-to-school sales for Lutheran World Relief school bags.
Cereal & Clothing Give-Away August 17th
We're collecting children's clothing and cereal for our annual (back-to-school) "Give-Away". Once again, Meadowgold Dairy has furnished coupons for milk.
Please donate cereal and new or clean, gently used, clothing.
We'll host the give-away on Saturday, August 17th from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
WELCA Synodical Gathering, September 27th-28th
The theme this year is BAPTIZED AND SET FREE. It will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church in Great Falls. Friday is the Business meeting of our convention, where we will be voting for our 2019 – 2021 Board, Voting Members for the Triennial Convention in 2020, our Budget and any resolutions that are submitted. Saturday is our Gathering, in which we will be collecting our change for the Pool of Living Waters, meet with Lois Bylund, our Churchwide Representative, hear our main speaker Reverend Julia Seymour, hear about Women’s Health issues, do a book study and meet with other women from Montana and Northern Wyoming.
Barb Bohle will represent Bethlehem's WELCA group as a voting delegate.
Contact Us
Pr. Jean Hay - 696-9586
Margie Shea - Council President - 248-8168
Casey Anguiano - Council Vice President - 534-2198
Johnna Voto - Secretary - 670-1370
Darlene Fernelius - Treasurer - 652-2356
Jerry Bauck - Council Member - 248-7946
Gayle Breding - Council Member - 694-4242
Dave Brockman - Council Member - 927-5729
Dennis McCave - Council Member - 702-4983
Jessie Hanna - Alternate - 598-7322